County documents return of NACCHO MRC grant funds; liability questions remain for volunteers

Monroe County staff told the Board of Commissioners on June 26 that the county returned funds from the 2024 NACCHO Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) award because the funds could not be spent within the grant period.

Health department staff said they requested a one-month extension from the grantor, but the agency could only extend for one month and that still was insufficient. As a result, county staff returned the 2024 funds and documented the contract modification for the record.

Commissioner Thomas asked about liability for MRC volunteers and how other counties handle volunteer liability. Health staff said the tasks volunteers can perform depend on the activity and that volunteers are generally not authorized to provide medical services outside an emergency. The MRC manager and county legal staff are reviewing what protections and agreements are necessary; staff said the legal analysis depends on the scope of exercises and work volunteers would perform.

There was no formal action on liability at the meeting; the modification documenting the returned funds was presented as an administrative item and approved 3-0. Staff indicated follow-up with legal and with the grantor as needed.